Possible Steps to RN

Ah...you must be located in California, since that's the only state where the 30 unit option exists.

The California LVN-to-RN 30 unit option leads to 2 outcomes: a terminal education and a limited RN license.

The 30-unit education is terminal because it does not lead to a degree or diploma, and you simply cannot return to school to take a few classes and earn a degree once you have completed this option. You'll have to start from scratch as if you had never attended school before, and complete an entire 2 year ADN program or 4 year BSN program if you want the degree.

The 30-unit education leads to limited RN licensure because it can never be endorsed to any other state. Other states do not accept the 30-unit program and, therefore, will not allow you to practice registered nursing in their states with this education. You may think you'll never leave California at this point in your life, but situations do change.

If you want the BSN and are a decent learner who can grasp concepts independently, you may want to consider the online LPN-to-BSN program at Indiana State University. Or you can move to another state, establish residency there, and attend one of the numerous LVN-to-BSN programs at regional state universities with no waiting lists. Once you complete the BSN degree, you can move back to California. In my area, Tarleton State University offers an LVN-to-BSN program that takes 2 years to complete. The tuition is $50 per credit hour for residents, and your grade point average does not need to be that high to get admitted. My former coworker was admitted with a 2.8 GPA recently. Another LVN-to-BSN program in my area is being offered at the University of Texas at Tyler. The tuition is cheap, and the requirements are not stringent.